Kenya vs Algeria Women AFCON Preview
Algeria are aiming to get their Women's Africa Cup of Nations campaign back on track when they square off against Kenya in their final Group A fixture.
The North Africans will consider the previous result a minor blip and will be confident of getting past the Harambee Starlets, who appear out of their depth in the competition.
Key Stats
- Algeria are unbeaten in seven of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Algeria have won two of their last three matches in all competitions.
- Algeria are unbeaten in the last four matches against Kenya.
- Kenya have lost their last two matches.
- Kenya have failed to win eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Algeria Often Superior
Algeria have never lost in this fixture, with one win and three draws from four previous matches against Kenya. The most recent meeting was a friendly back in 2025, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Kenya Looking Out of Sorts
It has been a poor WAFCON campaign so far for Kenya, who have lost their first two matches. They began with a 4-0 defeat to Morocco in their opening fixture before falling 1-0 to Senegal last time out.
The defeats mean Kenya are now bottom of Group A and hanging on by a thread to stay in the competition. However, there is still a slim chance for Beldine Odemba's team, who must win on Monday and hope the result from the other game goes their way.
The problem for Kenya is that their showings at the WAFCON are part of a poor run of form in recent matches. The Harambee Starlets are winless in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Minor Blip for Algeria
Algeria come into this clash off the back of a 1-0 defeat to hosts Morocco in their previous fixture. They saw plenty of possession and had multiple chances, but were ultimately undone six minutes from time.
Having begun their campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Senegal, Algeria will consider the defeat to their North African rivals a minor setback. The Fennecs are also unbeaten in seven of their last 10 matches in all competitions, winning two of the last three fixtures in this run.
Despite the defeat to Morocco, Algeria remain second in the table and well positioned to qualify from the group. Farid Benstiti’s team have a straightforward task on Monday as a win could see them progress to the knockout stage.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Kenya (4-3-3): Lilian Awuor; Euphraiser Shilwatso, Elizabeth Ochaka, Ruth Ingosi, Leah Andiema; Mercy Airo, Lorna Nyarinda, Mwanalima Jereko; Valerie Nekesa, Terry Engesha, Fasila Adhiambo.
Violet Nanjala was taken off for Kenya in the first half against Senegal and is likely to miss Monday's clash. Nekesa is expected to take her place in attack alongside Engesha while Ochaka is set to continue in central defence.
Algeria (4-2-3-1): Chloe N'gazi; Morgane Ikene, Lana Smits, Roselene Khezami, Ines Belloumou; Amira Ould Braham, Marine Dafeur; Lynda Bendris, Melissa Bethi, Lina Boussaha; Ikram Adjabi.
Algeria could stick with much of the team that started the previous match, with Adjabi expected to lead the line once again. Dafeur should feature in midfield while Smits and Khezami should continue their central defensive partnership.